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Gorillaz: Rise of the Ogre
In 2001 the animated band Gorillaz - bass-slayer mastermind Murdoc Niccals, hip hop hardman drummer Russel Hobbs, Japanese girl-guitarist Noodle and spiky blue-haired singer 2D - hit the planet like a musical meteor with their first smash 'Clint Eastwood', instantly becoming a chart-topping mainstay. They've been making headlines ever since. The awards have come thick and fast - Grammys, Webbys, MTV Awards, Ivor Novellos - and they've sold in excess of 15 million records to date.
They've reconfigured the musical landscape, innovating and entertaining with each and every turn, ruffling feathers, pushing faces, confusing and enthralling in the process. Their groundbreaking attitude has seen the fantastic foursome take a staggering array of influences, musical, visual and otherwise, and rework them into a unique world of their own design. No other group has managed to encapsulate the creative spirit of the digital age as well as Gorillaz
Their astonishing success is even more surprising when you consider this has all been achieved against a backdrop of demonic possession, underworld dealings, amnesia, exorcisms, prison terms and jaw-dropping stupidity.
Now, in Rise of the Ogre, Gorillaz have for the first time put mouth to paper and agreed to talk us through the unique thinking behind Gorillaz, revealing the complete story of the incredible band from childhood, to Gorillaz inception, through to albums, adverts, tours, videos, influences, breakdowns, break-ups and beyond.
They've reconfigured the musical landscape, innovating and entertaining with each and every turn, ruffling feathers, pushing faces, confusing and enthralling in the process. Their groundbreaking attitude has seen the fantastic foursome take a staggering array of influences, musical, visual and otherwise, and rework them into a unique world of their own design. No other group has managed to encapsulate the creative spirit of the digital age as well as Gorillaz
Their astonishing success is even more surprising when you consider this has all been achieved against a backdrop of demonic possession, underworld dealings, amnesia, exorcisms, prison terms and jaw-dropping stupidity.
Now, in Rise of the Ogre, Gorillaz have for the first time put mouth to paper and agreed to talk us through the unique thinking behind Gorillaz, revealing the complete story of the incredible band from childhood, to Gorillaz inception, through to albums, adverts, tours, videos, influences, breakdowns, break-ups and beyond.
306 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
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1473 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
August 3, 2020
Gorillaz took the world by storm right at the beginning of the new millenium with their "Clint Eastwood" music video. Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett started this project of a "virtual band" who will be selling records and influencing pop-culture, paving their way through the new sensation called the Internet.
Image: Gorillaz
Gorillaz: Rise of the Ogre is an autobiography/graphic novel chronicling the early days of the Gorillaz gimmick written in the form of interviews with the fictional band as they walk the reader through the recording of their first two iconic albums(Gorillaz and Demon Days). The book also has interviews with the original creators, Albarn and Hewlett and the animators, producers, technicians and contributors. The book also pays homage to many of the legendary stars that have worked on the first two records and reminisces on the many difficulties they had to put up with early on in the project (for instance, live performances).
The book also tells the fictional accounts of the virtual band members, their origins and how they met, their bizarre yet hilarious adventures.
A must-read for the fans.
Damon Albarn(left) and Jamie Hewlett(right): the masterminds behind Gorillaz
Image: Gorillaz
Gorillaz: Rise of the Ogre is an autobiography/graphic novel chronicling the early days of the Gorillaz gimmick written in the form of interviews with the fictional band as they walk the reader through the recording of their first two iconic albums(Gorillaz and Demon Days). The book also has interviews with the original creators, Albarn and Hewlett and the animators, producers, technicians and contributors. The book also pays homage to many of the legendary stars that have worked on the first two records and reminisces on the many difficulties they had to put up with early on in the project (for instance, live performances).
The book also tells the fictional accounts of the virtual band members, their origins and how they met, their bizarre yet hilarious adventures.
A must-read for the fans.
Damon Albarn(left) and Jamie Hewlett(right): the masterminds behind Gorillaz
December 19, 2017
The Gorillaz have been a favourite band of mine for a very long time and when I found this book, I was in heaven. I absolutely love everything about the Gorillaz and this book.
In short this is a band autobiography and art book (more less). With hilarious commentary and interviews with the band members. Murdoc is often making a fantastic fuss about something.
The book is filled to the brim with beautiful artwork by Jamie Hewlett, and it provides a lot of background information on even the tiniest things related to the band and their origins.
Definitely a worthwhile read for any fan of the band!
In short this is a band autobiography and art book (more less). With hilarious commentary and interviews with the band members. Murdoc is often making a fantastic fuss about something.
The book is filled to the brim with beautiful artwork by Jamie Hewlett, and it provides a lot of background information on even the tiniest things related to the band and their origins.
Definitely a worthwhile read for any fan of the band!
May 31, 2013
Gorillaz has been my favorite band since I was nine, it's kind of a funny story, since after listening to two gorillaz songs but not remembering the name I had hunted to find more songs by the band who's name I couldn't remember, I did find them, by finding the video feel good inc, however it disturbed my eight or nine year old self, and I didn't think it was the right band
funny enough that feel good inc has now become one of my favorites by gorillaz.
one of the things I liked about this book, was the in depth look into the characters,one important revelation, that I had already theorized, was that 2-D is sometimes quite smart.
I wont reveal anymore about the book, but for a fan who wants more of the gorillaz, or just a better look into the characters, this is a must have.
funny enough that feel good inc has now become one of my favorites by gorillaz.
one of the things I liked about this book, was the in depth look into the characters,one important revelation, that I had already theorized, was that 2-D is sometimes quite smart.
I wont reveal anymore about the book, but for a fan who wants more of the gorillaz, or just a better look into the characters, this is a must have.
Read
August 22, 2020DNF al 40%. Pensé que esta gente hablaba más del background de sus personajes, la verdad es que no me importa en absoluto sus giras y procesos de producción de discos. Mejor me limito a disfrutar los temazos que tienen. 😗✌
April 16, 2009
Why did I read this? I have no idea, other than I am a slavering Gorillaz fan, and at my age, too. Why did I read it twice? It's entertaining, that's why. I hope. Otherwise Murdoc's put a curse on me
October 5, 2012
As a huge Gorillaz head, I loved this book, but couldn't recommend it in the least to someone who isn't into them or even to someone who is looking to get into them. Even though it tells the tale of the beginning and rise, fall, and second skyrocketing rise of the band, it is written in a way meant to be read by die hards. But to fans already familiar with the music, members, and canon, I strongly suggest looking into this.
It perfectly incorporates each personality of each of the virtual members. The reader is given the impression that the narrater/interviewer understand that the band is composed of cartoons, but that Murdoc, 2D, Noodle, and Russel do not quite grasp it themselves. They "think" they're real. So much so that by the end, it seems like the interviewer is starting to believe it as well. That is until the end where it's hinted that all along, they're actually aware that they are indeed somebody's creation. Sort of like they've been stringing us along just to laugh in our faces, in typical Gorillaz fashion.
So on the surface it's a biography of one of the greatest bands of our generation, but ends up taking you for quite a trip.
It's written in a back-and-forth interview style with tons of beautiful artwork and photographs in between.
It perfectly incorporates each personality of each of the virtual members. The reader is given the impression that the narrater/interviewer understand that the band is composed of cartoons, but that Murdoc, 2D, Noodle, and Russel do not quite grasp it themselves. They "think" they're real. So much so that by the end, it seems like the interviewer is starting to believe it as well. That is until the end where it's hinted that all along, they're actually aware that they are indeed somebody's creation. Sort of like they've been stringing us along just to laugh in our faces, in typical Gorillaz fashion.
So on the surface it's a biography of one of the greatest bands of our generation, but ends up taking you for quite a trip.
It's written in a back-and-forth interview style with tons of beautiful artwork and photographs in between.
March 30, 2010
this book is for all gorillaz fanatics! it gives a deep and humorous description of the gorillaz's past and their secrets, all told by them! for music geeks, (me) anime and manga fans, (me myself and i) internet nerds, (ME!) or for someone just looking for a good laugh at some dark, disgusting humor!
January 25, 2013
The story of Gorillaz from the beginnings (pre-band, members' origins) and their collaboration work through the first two albums, along with the mystery behind "El Manana" video. It's gets weird, funky, and incredibly personal on some parts, but if you have a love for the virtual band and Hewlett's amazing art, you'll probably love this back story gem.
December 16, 2010
Rise of the Ogre is the definite encyclopedia of the virtual band Gorillaz. Gorillaz was created by the lead singer of Blur, Damon Albarn, in the 90's. They were drawn by the illustrator of the Tank Girl comics, Jamie Hewlett. They are a great band, mixing almost every kind of music out there.
May 4, 2024
I love this some much! I’ve loved Gorillaz for a bit a of time now, and this book gives more info of lore from phase 1 and 2. This book also has amazing art! If you are a Gorillaz fan, definitely buy/read this book!!!! :]
August 20, 2013
Brainchild of Daman Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, a virtual band that lives in their own fictional universe, couldn’t have been better executed than during the rise of digital music. A “virtual” band hadn’t really been seen before, and the distinct Gorillaz sound—a mix of electronic, alternative rap, and alternative hip hop—most certainly hadn’t been heard before. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2001, and their success landed them an entry in the Guinness Book Of World Records for Most Successful Virtual Band. Spanning 2001 to 2011, the band released four studio albums.
Published in 2006, GORILLAZ RISE OF THE OGRE details the stories that brought the four band members together, their collaboration and rise to stardom, and the strange occurrences along the way. The disclaimer: “It’s best to point out before we start, not all the stuff in here’s true or real. Especially the stuff Murdoc comes out with. They’re just a bunch of cartoons and what they say should be taken with a pinch of salt...” Murdoc Niccals, 2D, Russel Hobbs, and Noodle are all members of one of the most mysterious bands in the 21st century: Gorillaz. What are their unique and fantastical origins? What demon is Russel possessed by and how’d it happen? How did Noodle survive the trip from Japan to Kong Studios via FedEx? Who’s really the leader of the band, and who should be credited for their awesomeness? (Murdoc, undoubtedly, but you should really pick up the book to read the details of his incredible powers.)
If the idea of reading the fake biography of a fake band wasn’t intriguing enough, then what about what about reading the fake biography about a fake band that included awesome illustrations? Because of the crazy universe the Gorillaz live in, Jamie Hewlett & Zombie Flesh Eaters created a plethora of pretty ridiculous illustrations for the book that kept me just as involved as the text did. With witty and raunchy British humor, captivating illustrations, and one-of-a-kind story, GORILLAZ RISE OF THE OGRE is definitely an exciting roller coaster worth riding.
Published in 2006, GORILLAZ RISE OF THE OGRE details the stories that brought the four band members together, their collaboration and rise to stardom, and the strange occurrences along the way. The disclaimer: “It’s best to point out before we start, not all the stuff in here’s true or real. Especially the stuff Murdoc comes out with. They’re just a bunch of cartoons and what they say should be taken with a pinch of salt...” Murdoc Niccals, 2D, Russel Hobbs, and Noodle are all members of one of the most mysterious bands in the 21st century: Gorillaz. What are their unique and fantastical origins? What demon is Russel possessed by and how’d it happen? How did Noodle survive the trip from Japan to Kong Studios via FedEx? Who’s really the leader of the band, and who should be credited for their awesomeness? (Murdoc, undoubtedly, but you should really pick up the book to read the details of his incredible powers.)
If the idea of reading the fake biography of a fake band wasn’t intriguing enough, then what about what about reading the fake biography about a fake band that included awesome illustrations? Because of the crazy universe the Gorillaz live in, Jamie Hewlett & Zombie Flesh Eaters created a plethora of pretty ridiculous illustrations for the book that kept me just as involved as the text did. With witty and raunchy British humor, captivating illustrations, and one-of-a-kind story, GORILLAZ RISE OF THE OGRE is definitely an exciting roller coaster worth riding.
January 17, 2014
If you like Gorillaz as a musical project and a multimedia...thing, and/or if you lost touch with them after "Clint Eastwood" and were made curious by the fact that these cartoon characters had gone on and grown (older), gone through Hell, high water and Bruce Willis, then this book offers a lot of insight and imagery. Narrated in the way of a biography-slash-interview, at times way too heavy-handedly to be effective, it works all the same and probably precisely because of it, because it's in tune with the characters themselves. They are a work that is imperfect in the make as much as in character, and there is a sense of the creators (rightly) being in this for their own satisfaction which kind of hurts the narrative; when you learn on the internet that they've taken time apart out of differences and that they're sometimes tired of Murdoc, 2D, Noodle and Russell, that is the reason, and similarly, the times when this book is a hit off are so because you want to treat them, you have been made to treat these characters like characters, not masks, so the fact that they can be pulled off disconcerts and feels like a deprivation. But because the music is good and the characters are endearing, this is a good read, especially accompanied by the appropriate soundtrack.
April 1, 2024
So while I don't normally read autobiographies, I did enjoy this book. Rise of the Ogre is written from the perspective of the four band members and Cass Browne, and it chronologically follows the virtual band on their journey to fame. The book is funny and very well written, and the characters show tons of personality (and the crazier side of me still wants to believe this virtual band isn't so virtual) as shown through their interviews. Because of the uniqueness of the band not only in concept but also in sound, I gained a greater appreciation for the sheer amount of work, influence, and experimentation goes into Gorillaz music and fantastically weird music videos. The book was a little difficult to trek through at times and I found it occasionally somewhat boring because I don't read autobiographies, but the entertaining characters and stories kept me going. While I can only recommend this book to hardcore Gorillaz fans, I can definitely say it should show a little bit of insight into the offbeat nature and musical style of the group to nonlisteners and a look into Jamie Hewlett's great art.
June 28, 2018
This book was sooooooo goooooood. ヽ(o♡o)/
I love everything about gorillaz and this has been such a fun way to document their journey
-the illustrations were amazing ヾ(*′○`)ﾟ.+:｡ﾟ☆
-the dialogue and narrative is great （＞ｙ＜）
-it gives a real look at how these characters interact with each other and the world ( ´∀` )
Plus the audio book was amazing , I think I listened to that thing a 100 times already
Tl;Dr
"gorillaz : undisputed champions of the world.THE GREATEST".
-murdoc niccals
I love everything about gorillaz and this has been such a fun way to document their journey
-the illustrations were amazing ヾ(*′○`)ﾟ.+:｡ﾟ☆
-the dialogue and narrative is great （＞ｙ＜）
-it gives a real look at how these characters interact with each other and the world ( ´∀` )
Plus the audio book was amazing , I think I listened to that thing a 100 times already
Tl;Dr
"gorillaz : undisputed champions of the world.THE GREATEST".
-murdoc niccals
January 31, 2012
This book is all you need if you're a true Gorillaz fan....but not of the band itself, but of its artistry. This book reveals the whole story and meaning of the band and songs including their origins and "lives" from the beginning to the aftermath of Demon Days. If you're a true Gorillaz fan, then you will love it, but you will have to go deeper into the history for the true story of the band, for this is the crude, funny, coincidential, deep, freaky, and artsy story of the band's animated characters.
February 9, 2015
best biography written. for a fictional band, that is. Having been a Gorillaz fan since the release of the Demon Days album during my freshman year of high school, I was mesmerized by the unique twist of alternative rock, hip-hop and rap, which hid a subliminal storyline within the beautifully animated music videos.
Whether you're a long time fan of Gorillaz or just having discovered them, this is a excellent book to read if you're willing to know about about the character's backstories, the interpretation of the songs, and the creative process of how the Gorillaz came around.
Whether you're a long time fan of Gorillaz or just having discovered them, this is a excellent book to read if you're willing to know about about the character's backstories, the interpretation of the songs, and the creative process of how the Gorillaz came around.
July 29, 2014
A must read for every Gorillaz fan! This book was beyond awesome! I was just glad I could find it online without paying the ridiculous price asked for on sites such as Barnes & Noble and Amazon. In short, this book made me ridiculously happy. I'm just praying there will be a Phase Four for this awesome band!
March 7, 2010
I wish this book were more lavish and art-focused. As it is, it's as though the book doesn't quite know what it is. Art book? Comic? Humor? Biography (of the characters or real people)? In trying to be all of them the book becomes none of them satisfactorily.
April 5, 2021
God I love this book. It's so incredibly niche - if you don't come into it with a bit of basic knowledge about Gorillaz it reads as the most unhinged story ever - but for someone who loves the band as much as I do it's just so much fun. I'm actually surprised I hadn't read it yet, and super glad that I got my hands on it now.
The highlights for me were the storyboard art and the character writing. Like, seriously stellar stuff on both accounts. Getting some of the rough pencil storyboard stuff from Hewlett is lovely, and the way he used to illustrate stuff was beautiful in its weird, ugly way. The motion and the atmosphere in some of his rough sketches is stunning; the examples that come to mind are the D-day storyboard and the El Mañana storyboard.
And the character writing!! The informative writing is funny and good, but the character stuff is just tremendous. I love the way Browne wrote it with the interview excerpts in script form; it really worked to let the characters speak for themselves, and came out with the best character writing they've had, in my opinion. The way Noodle described her isolation during the writing of Demon Days was so good and gave her a sort of depth and drive her character really lacks usually. Same with the way Browne gave Russel the emotional space he needed... the moment where he talks about losing Del is so well written and heartbreaking.
And the ending... the ending really leaves you with something, and I think it's the perfect show of how Browne digs into the humour of the story and acknowledge the absurdity of it but still has this deep understanding of and respect for the characters. Honestly all throughout it's a joy to read.
The highlights for me were the storyboard art and the character writing. Like, seriously stellar stuff on both accounts. Getting some of the rough pencil storyboard stuff from Hewlett is lovely, and the way he used to illustrate stuff was beautiful in its weird, ugly way. The motion and the atmosphere in some of his rough sketches is stunning; the examples that come to mind are the D-day storyboard and the El Mañana storyboard.
And the character writing!! The informative writing is funny and good, but the character stuff is just tremendous. I love the way Browne wrote it with the interview excerpts in script form; it really worked to let the characters speak for themselves, and came out with the best character writing they've had, in my opinion. The way Noodle described her isolation during the writing of Demon Days was so good and gave her a sort of depth and drive her character really lacks usually. Same with the way Browne gave Russel the emotional space he needed... the moment where he talks about losing Del is so well written and heartbreaking.
And the ending... the ending really leaves you with something, and I think it's the perfect show of how Browne digs into the humour of the story and acknowledge the absurdity of it but still has this deep understanding of and respect for the characters. Honestly all throughout it's a joy to read.
August 7, 2023
I can say with complete confidence that Gorillaz is among my favorite bands ever, if not my absolute favorite. As part of the fan base, Rise of the Ogre is something I’ve meant to read for quite awhile now. Written in promotion of Demon Days back in 2006, this “autobiography” focuses on the lore behind the band members, what brought them together in universe and the inspiration behind their music via interviews and narrations. It reads like the script of an episode of Behind the Music, with just the right amount of inserting the two genuine minds behind Gorillaz, Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, into the wild world that Gorillaz exists in.
Now, as a serious fan, this book is amazing. It’s so funny, so witty, it’s exactly what I was hoping it would be after all these years. But would I recommend this to a non fan? Absolutely not. You’ve gotta be deep down the rabbit hole to get much of anything out of Rise of the Ogre, as much of the humor that comes from it is due to direct references to Gorillaz songs, albums, promo art and music videos. So if you happen to read this review and are interested, but aren’t too interested in/familiar with Gorillaz, listening to the first two albums and checking out the videos associated should be able to catch you up. If anything you should do that anyways as the S/T and Demon Days are phenomenal albums.
But yeah, I loved it, it’s very much a new favorite, but if you aren’t a Gorillaz fan you might wanna skip this one.
Now, as a serious fan, this book is amazing. It’s so funny, so witty, it’s exactly what I was hoping it would be after all these years. But would I recommend this to a non fan? Absolutely not. You’ve gotta be deep down the rabbit hole to get much of anything out of Rise of the Ogre, as much of the humor that comes from it is due to direct references to Gorillaz songs, albums, promo art and music videos. So if you happen to read this review and are interested, but aren’t too interested in/familiar with Gorillaz, listening to the first two albums and checking out the videos associated should be able to catch you up. If anything you should do that anyways as the S/T and Demon Days are phenomenal albums.
But yeah, I loved it, it’s very much a new favorite, but if you aren’t a Gorillaz fan you might wanna skip this one.
March 27, 2022
I finally finished it!
Look, I know it took me a billion years to read this, but I swear I loved it. It's Gorillaz. I'm contractually obligated to love it.
I do wish they continued with the audio book though, because I really enjoyed reading along with the voice actors. But oh well. Still a very fun and honestly hilarious read.
Now we need a book like this for the other phases. I would love to read a book about the Plastic Beach era, or even the Song Machine era.
Look, I know it took me a billion years to read this, but I swear I loved it. It's Gorillaz. I'm contractually obligated to love it.
I do wish they continued with the audio book though, because I really enjoyed reading along with the voice actors. But oh well. Still a very fun and honestly hilarious read.
Now we need a book like this for the other phases. I would love to read a book about the Plastic Beach era, or even the Song Machine era.
January 19, 2024
Me fascinó, me saco varias dudas que tenía con respecto al Lore ( el cual es bastante complicado xd) y me ayudó a obsesionarme más con la banda ❣️
November 25, 2023
i love gorillaz so my review is biased but this a really good book if you want to get into the lore of the band!!!
Want to read
March 18, 2024Soooooo I’m a huge Gorillaz fan. I first heard of their music back in 2016 (thanks to the movie Trolls playing Clint Eastwood in that one scene) but I never truely listened to them until about 5 months ago and since then I’ve been absolutely obsessed with both the music and lore. So yeah basically if anyone wanted to buy me this book I’d be sososo greatful thanksss 😊🙏
May 17, 2024
Para entender el lore de Gorillaz, lo amo.
July 11, 2015
Did Not Finish
I usually try to read and finish all novels/series I start but I couldn't find a hard copy of this, considering Gorillaz just announced their comeback this year and the last thing they released was Do Ya Thing 3 years ago. Fortunately, I found a PDF version! Unfortunately, my phone screen is much too small to be able to read the damn thing without zooming in and out an infinite number of times. And with super shitty vision, I gave up trying to read the tiny print.
(The three stars is based on what I did actually read.)
I plan on finishing this when I can get a solid copy, and if I can't I might decided to finish it on my computer. (Let's see how long it takes to get a copy first.)
I usually try to read and finish all novels/series I start but I couldn't find a hard copy of this, considering Gorillaz just announced their comeback this year and the last thing they released was Do Ya Thing 3 years ago. Fortunately, I found a PDF version! Unfortunately, my phone screen is much too small to be able to read the damn thing without zooming in and out an infinite number of times. And with super shitty vision, I gave up trying to read the tiny print.
(The three stars is based on what I did actually read.)
I plan on finishing this when I can get a solid copy, and if I can't I might decided to finish it on my computer. (Let's see how long it takes to get a copy first.)
January 3, 2017
Most singers and bands nowadays always seem to focus on appearances rather than putting out good music. Gorillaz have seriously impressed me with the levels that Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett have gone to to NOT take credit for the band and to make the four characters seem real. Giving each character backstories that are not only clever and interesting, but also tie into the real world and even the creators themselves. If you don't know a single thing about Gorillaz, you probably wont like this one. But if you love them as much as I do, you'd love this one, start-to-finish.
March 9, 2017
This book is fantastic if you are a fan of the Gorillaz or visual novels in general. It, however, is a very difficult book to find/ buy. It stayed interesting and definitely met my high expectations. The art style was the same as the art from the Gorrilaz music videos and the visuals as well as language work very good together. Overall it is a great read for anyone, the only problem is just how hard it is to find.
December 3, 2009
Jamie Hewlett continues to amaze... Love everything about the creation of this band. From the tongue-in-cheek description of their inception by the band 'members', to the sly commentary by both Hewlett and Damon Albarn, great stuff. The only thing I could have done less with is the constant Cockney take on everything- for us Yanks, somewhat hard to fathom occasionally. But still a fun read.
July 17, 2012
You have to adore the band to enjoy this book. Fantastic artwork.
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